Container



Feb. 13. 1934. ROLLASON 15947,]40

CONTAINER Filed June 2. 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 13, 1934. v

c. H. ROLLASON 1,947,140

CONTAINER Filed June 2. 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Feb. 13, 1934 sra'res inane hhdmdii WNTAHIER Charles liil. Rollason, Wheeling, W. Va., assignor to Wheeling Steel Qorporaticn,

Wheeling,

W. Va, a corporation oi Delaware Application Jane 2, i932. Seriai No. 614,871

11.6 Glaince.

The present invention relates broadly to the art of containers, and more particularly to con tainers of the character usually referred to as metallic shipping and storing receptacles in eluding more especially cans, drums, pails or the like containing a material having fiuid flow characteristics and adapted to be discharged therefrom as required.

For simplicity of description, all such articles W will hereinafter be referred to as containers, it being understood that this term is used as one of definition and not one of limitation.

There are certain requirements which contain= ers of the general character herein contemplated M .must meet in order to permit their satisfactory adoption and use. In the first place they must be capable of effecting a complete seal so that the contents of the container cannot be discharged or contaminated prior to delivery of the pack- 2@ age to the ultimate consumer. To this end, it is desirable that the seal be effected in such manner that the parts by means of which the seali is effected cannot be purchased on the open market. Where such a purchase can be made.

the seal can be broken, the contents discharged, contaminated or diluted and a new seal applied. It is one of the objectsof the present invention to provide a package having sealing characteristics of such nature that such'an operation is ,not possible.

, It is further necessary that containers of this type be constructed so as to permit stacking thereof so that a maximum number of packages can be disposed in a relatively small space. An-

bther of the objects of the present invention is to provide a package which meets the requiremerits with respect to sticking.

Where containersutilized for the handling or dispensing of fluids are provided with screw threaded closures, they are open to two objections. In the first place, leakage frequently occurs around the threads particularly when the contents of the package are subjected to an increase in temperature, and in the second place i 5 the screwthreaded parts are subject to coin-:

paratively easy removal and replacement.

The invention'has for another of its objects the provision of a receptacle from which pouring may be accomplished at will, but in which the'effective pour is not dependent upon any screw threaded parts. In this same connection reference may be made to the necessity of providing means for venting the container during the pouring process. The present invention provides for such venting. It is likewise desirable,

'structm in. accordance with the present inven- (Cll. 221-131) while keeping the total amount .of metal in the container at a minimum, to insure adequate air space, or "outage, above the liquid contents, whereby expansion of the contents without the undue generation of pressure within the container, may take place. The present invention is also concerned with the provision of an ex-. pandingair space answering these requirements.

As will be apparent from a better understand ing of the invention, its preferred embodiment contemplates a head or cover constituting a closure preferably in one piece of such special con-= figuration as to include a unitary pouring opening.

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustration only, certain preferred embodiments of the invention. In the drawings- Figure l is a top plan view of a closure contion;

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view along the line Iii-II of Figure 1, illustrating two containers in accordance with the present invention in stacked relationship; 89

Figure 3 is a view similar to, Figure 1, illustrating the pouring opening with the detachable cap removed therefrom;

Figure 4 is a detail top plan view, on an enlarged scale, of the pouring opening per se;

Figure 5 is a transverse sectional view, on an enlarged scale along the line V-V of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view similar to-Figure 5 illustrating a modified embodiment of the invention;

Figure '7 is a view similar to Figure 6, illustrating still another form of the invention;

Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 6 showing a difierent characteristic embodiment; and

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8 illus-= trating a slightly different form of the invention.

By referencemore particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is-illustrated a closure comprising a flange or peripheral portion 2 adapted to receive a packing gasket 3 for sealing engagement with the upper end oi the container to which the closure is to be applied, and having depending lugs d, as well understood in the art by means of which the attachment of the closure is effected. These details constitute no important part of the present inventlon and may be replaced or modified as desired.

Extending upwardly from the flange 2 is a main. closure body 5 which terminates in a shoulder or offset 6 of' such dimensions as to receive therein the bottom ring '2 on another container whereby nesting or stacking of the containers is made possible.

In most closures of the general character herein contemplated, it is customary for the main body portion 5 of the closure to be displaced downwardly with respect to the flange or sealing rim 2 so as to extend into the upper end of the container, In such cases the closure takes up an appreciable portion of the space within the container so that if the container is filled to too high a level with an expansible fluid, there is not sufiicient air space provided for the free expansion of the contents under higher temperature conditions. In accordance with 'my invention, the main body 5 of the closure lies in a plane above the plane of the rim 2, thereby providing an air space 8 entirely within the closure and above any possible line to which the container itself may be filled. This insures the provision of an adequate air space within the container at all times.

Adjacent one side, the closure is formed with a depression 9 of any desired configuration but preferably elongated, and disposed substantially 25 radially of the body with its bottom wall at the outer edge lying approximately in the plane of the rim 2, and thence inclined upwardly. This depression may be, and preferably is, formed integrally with the main body 5 by a suitable forming die capable of efiecting a metal flow or draw as it is more commonly termed.

Either concomitantly with the formation of the recess 9, or by an independent operation subsequent thereto, a portion of the bottom wall of the recess is, subjected to a drawing operation for displacing the same out of the plane of the bottom of the-recess and below the plane of the main body 5.

If the second drawing operation just described is of the more simple type, it will produce a structure as illustrated in Figure 8, wherein the upstanding side walls 10 defining a pouring opening 11 are joined at their upper edges by an integral sealing diaphragm 12, the junction line 14 throughout a portion of its length being weakened so as to permit comparatively easy rupturing of the diaphragm upon the application of pressure in a downward direction.

With a construction as illustrated in Figure 8, where the front wall is flared outwardly to form a pouring and cut ofi lip, it will be apparent that in order to displace the diaphragm 12 downwardly as required in order to permit pouring, the diaphragm will have to bend partly upon itself. In order to obviate this possible objection, I preferably subject a portion of the sealing diaphragm to a second drawing operation throughout the distance between the pouring lip 16, as shown in Figure 4 and the bending zone 17 indicated by a broken line in this same figure. This drawing operation will produce a structure as illustrated more particularly in Figure 5 wherein the side walls 18, throughout the distance referred to, after extending upwardly will then bend downwardly upon themselves to provide downwardly projecting portions 19 increasing from a substantially zero dimension adjacent the zone 1'7 to a maximum dimension along the line 20 which defines the outer end of the pouring opening subrecess 9. The pouring lip is non-vertical or overhung, as shown in Figure 2.

The lower ends of the downwardly extending portions 19 are connected to a sealing diaphragm 21 by a weakened joint line 2.2 permitting the stantially in the plane of the-bottom wall of the.

sealing diaphragm to be moved downwardly at the pleasure of-the user to permit pouring from the container. After displacing the sealing diaphragm, a suitable instrument is utilized to punch a vent opening within the depression 23 to facili tate pouring. In Figures 1 to 5, both inclusive, there is illustrated the preferred form of structure wherein the sealing diaphragm 21 is disposed in an inclined position as described to facilitateits downward displacement for pouring purposes. By reason of the inclination of the bottom wall, the entry of air into the interior of the container is facilitated.

In Figure 6 of the drawings, there is illustrated a slightly nibdified embodiment wherein the sealingdiaphragm 24 lies entirely substantially in the plane of the bottom wall of the recess 9. The front portion of the diaphragm connected to the rest of the structure by a weakened line at the junction between the diaphragm and the side walls is thus adapted to be displaced downwardly when the container is to be emptied.

In the forms heretofore described, the entire structure is formed of one piece, thus obviating joints which are subject to leakage, and eliminating the possibility of the purchase of replacement sealing parts. If the container is once opened to permit tampering with the contents it cannot thereafter be sealed without ready detection. In Figure 7, however, there is shown a modified construction in which the closure 25 is formed with a pouring opening 26 around which is soldered or otherwise secured a pouring attachment 27 of the character shown in Figure 6.

In Figure 9 there is shown a structure generally similar to that of Figure 8; but difiering therefrom in that the pouring attachment 28 is a separate piece secured in position as referred to in connection with Figure '1. While I prefer to form the closure as a unitary article with all of the parts integral, in order to obtain the advantages incident in this particular art to such integrality and obviate the objections attendant upon the use of brazed, welded, soldered or other desirable joints, I wish it to be understood that 21 9 I can, where it is in order to sacrifice such advantages,.make use of modified constructions of the general nature outlined.

The main body of the closure having been formed in accordance with any of the forms heretofore described, a cap 29 preferably having 'a bead 30 around its entire lower edge and having a re-entrant portion 31 adapted to conform to the contour of the pouring spout may then be slipped in position as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 180 and 5 for. the purpose of providing a protection for the seal during shipping of the container and a temporary closure after the sealing diaphragm has been ruptured and before the container is completely emptied. It will be noted more particularly from Figures 2 and 6 that the dimensions of the parts are such that the top of the cap lies below the main plane of the body portion 5 of the cover in such manner that it is not subjected to injury by the stacking or nesting process before described. I I

In accordance with the present invention I am able to obtain a structure which will effectively. prevent leakage or tampering and which will insure suflicient outage or air space to prevent 145 'undue pressure accumulation within the container. There is also provided a pouring opening, which may have nozzle characteristics, but which may be formed integrally with the closure. In any case it constitutes a part of the closure such 150 that its removal and replacement may only be accomplished with considerable difficulty. The pouring lip is so disposed as to facilitate pouring through the closure over the sealing rim 2, and

is of such contour as to efiiciently cut off the stream upon the conclusion of the pouring operation. It thus possesses all of the advantages of the more common types of pouring attachments or nozzles, without any of the objections incident to their use.

While I have herein illustrated and described certain preferred embodiments of my invention, it will be understood that changes in the construction and arrangement of the parts as well as in the manner of making the same, may be made without departing either from the spirit of my invention or the scope of my broader claims.

I claim:

1. As an article of manufacture, a receptacle comprising a closure having a depression formed therein and provided with a pouring opening and a pouring spout cooperating with said pouring opening, said pouring'spout having a pouring lip, the pouring plane of which is above the plane of the bottom of the depression and below the plane of the main body of the closure, said pouring opening being initially sealed by a rupturable diaphragm.

2. As an article of manufacture, a receptacle comprising a closure having a depression formed therein and provided with a pouring opening and a pouring spout cooperating with said pouring opening, said pouring spout having a pour= ing lip, the pouring plane of which is above the plane of the bottom of the depression and below the plane of the main body of the closure, said pouring opening being initially sealed by a rup= turable diaphragm constituting an integral part of the main body of the closure.

3. As an article of manufacture, a closure comprising a sealing rim, a main body projecting above the plane of said rim, there being a de pression in said body opening through the outer edge thereof, a pouring spout projecting up= wardly from the bottom of said depression, and a sealing diaphragm for said spout formed in-= tegrally with the bottom wall of said depression.

4. As an article of manufacture, a closure comprising a sealing rim, a main body projecting above the plane of said rim and provided with a circumferentially disposed offset adapted to receive the bottom of an adjacent container, there being a depression in said body opening through the outer edge thereof, and a pouring spout projecting upwardly from the bottom of said depression and terminating below the plane of said main body.

5. As an article of manufacture, a closure comprising a sealing rim, 8. main body projecting above the plane of said rim and providedwith a circumferentially disposed offset adapted to re= ceive the bottom of an adjacent container, there being a depression in said body opening through the outer edge thereof and with its bottom wall substantially in the plane of said rim, and a pouring spout projecting upwardly from the bot-= tom of said depression and terminating below the plane of said main body.

6. A container having a top having an eccentric depressed portion, the material thereof be ing deformed to provide a.portion adapted to be punctured to permit discharge of contents of the container, and means for guiding the con= tents being discharged generally outwardly of assume the container, said means extending not substantially higher than the main plane of the top.

7. A container having a top having an eccentric depressed portion, the material thereof being deformed to provide a portion adapted to be punctured to permit discharge of contents of the container, and spout means connected with said container near an edge portion thereof and extending not substantially higher than the main plane of the top through which contents being discharged are adapted to pass, said spout means being adapted to guide the contents, being discharged generally outwardly of the container.

8. A container having a top having a portion depressed below the general plane thereof, the material thereof being deformed to provide a portion adapted to be punctured to permit discharge of contents of the containerf and spout means connected with said container through which contents being discharged are adapted to pass, said spout means extending upwardly not substantially above the general plane of the top.

9. A container having a top having a relatively raised portion providing outage space and a relatively depressed portion, said top having at said relatively depressed portion puncturable means through which, when the same is punctured, contents of the container are adapted to be discharged, said means being disposed sub-= stantially below the general plane of the raised portion of the top, and spout means having a pouring lip extending upwardly not substantially above the general plane of the raised portion of the top.

lid. in combination, a container and a cover therefor, said cover having a portion adapted to be sealed to the container and a portion disposed generally inwardly of said first mentioned portion and extending generally upwardly therefrom and providing outage space, said cover having means not substantially above the top of said generally upwardly extending portion through which contents of the container are adapted to be discharged.

ll. In combination, a container and a cover.

therefor, said cover having a portion adapted to be sealed to the container and a portion dis posed generally inwardly of said first mentioned portion and extending generally upwardly therefrom and providing outage space, said cover having a depressed portion below the level of said generally upwardly extending portion and having means at said depressed portion through which contents of the container are adapted to be di$= charged.

has

1.2. In combination, a container and a cover therefor, said cover having a portion adapted to be sealed to the container and aportion spaced generally inwardly with respect to said first mentioned portion and extending generally upwardly therefrom, said cover having means through which contents of thecontainer are adapted to be discharged and spout means associated therewith extending generally outwardly of the container at least to a point in substantial longitudi-= nal alignment with said first mentioned portion of the cover.

13. As an article of manufacture, a container having a one piece closure and pouring spout having an opening cooperating with the pouring spout through which contents of the container are adapted to pass on being poured out, the pouring spout terminating in a lip disposed-below the main plane of the closure, the material constituting said one piece closure and pouring spout initially forming a sealing diaphragm for said opening. t

1a. A container having a top a part of which adjacent the rim thereof is depressed below the main plane of the top, said top having at said depressed part a puncturable portion adapted upon being punctured to provide an opening through which contents oi the container are adapted to pass on being poured out, and a pour ing spout cooperating with said puncturable portion and adapted to receive and deliver contents of the container passing through said opening upon puncturing of said puncturable portion, said spout terminating in a lip disposed above the level of said depressed part of the top and below tion and adapted to receive and deliver contents of the container passing through said opening upon puncturing of said puncturable portion, said spout being substantially entirely disposed not substantially above the level of said top staoldng surface.

16. A container having a top providing a top stacking surface and having a part disposed at a level below said top stacking surface, said top having at said part a puncturable portion adapted upon being punctured to provide an opening through which contents of the container are adapted to pass on being poured out, and a pour== ing spout cooperating with said puncturable por= tion and adapted to receive and deliver contents or" the container passing through said opening upon puncturing of said puncturable portion, said top having a substantial portion of its upper sur= iace disposed above the level of said previously} mentioned part to provide outage space, said spout lacing substantially entirely disposed not substantially above the level of said top stacking surface.

CHPRLES ii. ROKLASQN. 

